Covid-19
This coverage examines the effects of Covid-19 on the UK retail industry, focusing on operational disruption, financial pressures, consumer behaviour shifts, and recovery strategies. Reporting includes lockdown impacts, safety measures, supply chain challenges, online growth, and leadership decisions that shaped responses to the crisis. Designed for executives and managers, it offers lessons and insights for navigating future disruptions.
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Jan- 2021 -20 JanuaryHigh Street
WH Smith trading ‘better than anticipated’
WH Smith has posted its trading update for the 16 weeks to January, with the company reporting a “better than anticipated” sales performance. The group has said it adapted well to the “evolving trading environment” on the high street, with revenue in stores in December at 92% of 2019 levels. …
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19 JanuaryGovernment
Sunak looks to raise corporation tax in March budget
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly looking to raise corporation tax in the upcoming March budget to pay off the estimated £400bn borrowed by the UK throughout the pandemic. According to The Financial Times, the alleged move has sparked uproar among business owners who claim they are still struggling with the…
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19 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Superdry swings to £18.9m H1 loss
Superdry has reported an £18.9m loss for the first half of the year, as the company also warned about its ability to continue as a going concern due to the impact of Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions. For the 26-week period to 24 October 2020, it revealed total group revenue declined…
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19 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Matalan revenue falls 21.5% in Q3
Matalan, the out of town fashion and homeware retailer, has announced its year-on-year revenue plummeted 21.5% for the 13 weeks ended 28 November 2020. The drop in sales from £311.7m to £244.8m came as a result of the “severe Covid-19 related disruption” that the November lockdown caused the firm. Adjusted…
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18 JanuaryAdvice
How packaging can build retail resilience
The ‘stay at home’ impact of the pandemic is turbocharging the importance of packaging. It is a critical component helping retailers to sell more products online and effectively move goods through busier and changing supply chains that are constantly flexing in response to the impact of Covid-19. At the same…
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18 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Uniqlo reports 7.2% revenue decline
Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, has revealed the high street fashion brand’s year-on-year revenue for the quarter ended 30 November 2020 fell by 7.2%. A large profit rise in Asia alongside steady e-commerce expansion did result in a £295m (9.5%) Q1 2021 increase to the firm’s global operating…
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18 JanuaryOnline & Digital
Barclay family mulls £3bn Very Group float
The Barclay family is reportedly eyeing up a £3bn float of online retailer Very Group, according to reports from Sky News. The billionaire family, who owns the business, is said to be in the early stages of exploring plans for the flotation in a bid to “capitalise on exploding investor…
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15 JanuaryHigh Street
Supreme Court sides with small firms in business interruption insurance case
The Supreme Court has delivered its judgment in the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA)’s business interruption insurance test case, with the court’s ruling in the favour of small firms potentially forcing insurers to pay out £1.2bn in CBI claims. Following the judgement, thousands of policyholders will now have their claims for…
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15 JanuaryDIY
Dunelm revenues up 11% despite store closures
Homeware retailer Dunelm has reported an 11.8% increase in revenues for the 13-week period ended 26 December 2020, despite having the majority of its stores closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Dunelm reported revenues of £360.4m during the period, which the retailer said reflected the fact that despite restrictions consumer demand…
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15 JanuaryHigh Street
H&M appoints new communications director
H&M has announced the appointment of Andreas Eriksson as communications director succeeding his predecessor Kristina Stenvinkel. Eriksson, who was the group’s previous head of media relations, will be succeeded by Iñigo Sáenz Maestre, who is currently the senior press officer. Eriksson brings with him extensive experience within communications and leadership…
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